I have
answered Mr. Darch by sending him the address of my legal
advisers--otherwise, the doctor's lawyers--without making any
comment on the desire that he has expressed for additional
evidence of the marriage. This is all that can be done to-day.
To-morrow will bring with it events of greater interest, for
to-morrow the doctor is to make his Declaration before the
magistrate, and to-morrow I am to move to my new lodging in
my widow's weeds.
"November 27th.--Fairweather Vale Villas.--The Declaration has
been made, with all the necessary formalities. And I have taken
possession, in my widow's costume, of my new rooms.
"I ought to be excited by the opening of this new act in the
drama, and by the venturesome part that I am playing in it
myself. Strange to say, I am quiet and depressed. The thought of
Midwinter has followed me to my new abode, and is pressing on me
heavily at this moment. I have no fear of any accident happening,
in the interval that must still pass before I step publicly into
the place of Armadale's widow. But when that time comes, and when
Midwinter finds me (as sooner or later find me he must!) figuring
in my false character, and settled in the position that I have
usurped--_then_, I ask myself, What will happen? The answer still
comes as it first came to me this morning, when I put on my
widow's dress.
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